"DRUG - DRUG INTERACTION IN POLY PHARMACY PATIENT"

Mr. Jadhav Siddheshwar Chandrakant , Mr. Mohammad Zishan Ibrahim , Dr. Jameel Ahmed sir

Adverse Drug Reaction, Drug - Drug Reaction, Polypharmacy

Polypharmacy has become a growing concern in contemporary healthcare as increasing numbers of patients require multiple medications to manage chronic diseases and age related conditions. Although polypharmacy can provide therapeutic benefits by addressing complex clinical needs, it also raises the likelihood of drug drug interactions, which remain one of the most preventable causes of adverse health outcomes. Drug drug interactions may modify pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic responses, leading to reduced therapeutic effectiveness or increased toxicity. The risk of such interactions rises sharply in patients using five or more medications, particularly older adults who experience physiological changes that affect drug metabolism and excretion. Patients with chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, psychiatric conditions or infections are especially vulnerable due to extensive and often complicated treatment regimens. Hospitalized individuals face additional challenges because of frequent medication adjustments and acute clinical instability. Although electronic prescribing systems and clinical decision support tools have improved the detection of potential interactions, inconsistencies among databases, alert fatigue and incomplete medication histories still limit effective prevention. This review examines the prevalence, mechanisms and clinical consequences of drug drug interactions in polypharmacy patients and highlights the essential role of clinical pharmacists and multidisciplinary collaboration in improving medication safety and optimizing therapeutic outcomes.

Volume 13 Issue 12, December-2025

Pages : c588-c602